February 1, 2013

Noticing Changes in Your Five-Year-Old?

Are you seeing regressive
behaviors such as toileting accidents or more crying?

Has he told you he wants to stay at preschool and not go to kindergarten?

Before I became a child therapist I taught Pre-K and each school year, around
the end of January or early February, parents would come to me wondering why their
child was exhibiting regressive behaviors and seeking advice on what to do
about them. Even now, as a child therapist, parents express the same
concerns this time of year about their five year olds.

I validate parents concerns
and the frustration they’re feeling and then I ask one simple question. “Have
you recently registered your five year old for kindergarten?” The answer
is usually "Yes!"

Going to kindergarten is a big transition for a five year old. Everyone is
telling them how grown up they are and talking non-stop about how great it will
be to go to kindergarten. The child feels torn. They're excited to be growing
up but they're also anxious and apprehensive about leaving preschool and all
the familiarities to which they've grown accustomed.

It's a big step for a five
year old and as parents you can help make that transition less stressful. When
you see the above mentioned behaviors take a few minutes to give your child an
extra hug and ask them if they're feeling sad or scared about leaving preschool
and going to kindergarten. Validate what they’re feeling and offer helpful
suggestions such as driving by the new school and taking a photo of them
standing in front of it.

Spend some time on the
school playground on the weekend or at the end of the school day. Mark on the
calendar the day your child will be going to the school for a visit or
kindergarten screening. Don’t forget to locate the school restroom during the
visit because that’s a big concern for a soon to be kindergartener.

I encourage parents to put less emphasis on growing up and more on making the
transition to kindergarten easier. It will help your child feel less anxious
and the regressive behaviors will gradually disappear.

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About Me

“Do your children frustrate
you? Are you struggling to find effective discipline methods? Do you need some support and guidance in gaining confidence in your parenting?
I Can Help! I offer practical solutions to child behavior problems.
Working with me begins with a consultation to discuss and gain an understanding of your current parenting challenges.
Using a collaborative approach I take your input and together we determine what is best for you and your child. I offer child play therapy, family therapy and parent coaching. We may decide to select one of these options or we may opt for a combination. Either way, you decide what direction we will take.
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